Dear Journey’s,

I want to start off by saying I had no idea I would ever be where I am today. I want to thank you, Journey’s staff, for bringing me out of my comfort zone and also contributing to my shoe addiction. I want to thank you for all the wonderful friendships I have made, even if I didn’t want them to happen. Thank you for being more than a job, for being like a home.

When I started at Journey’s, I was a desperate teenager needing money to pay for gas and Chick-Fil-A. Who knew I would spend most of my days at the mall that I rarely visited before my employment? I have grown as a person since I started working. I’ve learned things about myself, pushed myself to new limits, and gained wisdom and all within four walls of a tiny shoe store.

I had always shopped at Journey’s. I started off purchasing the bright multi-colored DC shoes that I wore with everything. I looked crazy to say the least. My obsession went on throughout the years, purchasing shoes that the rest of my friends had. I finally came to a point where I realized that Journey’s was where I wanted to work. I tend to overthink things, and maybe this is one of them, but out of all the places I applied, Journey’s called me back. I know every employer has their crazy group of workers and inside jokes that they’ll never forget, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity I have been given: the opportunity to do something I love while getting paid for it.

My first day clocking in, I was a shy sixteen-year-old girl. I had never sold anything in my life and I was completely clueless on how to go about it. Coincidentally, my first day to sell was the infamous Black Friday. Being a seasonal worker, I was prepared to sell the holiday season and then move on to another job. Within my first three hours of selling, I had sold over $1,000 worth in items. I had no clue if this was an accomplishment or not, but when I was pulled aside and congratulated on my “amazing work,” I knew Journey’s was where I wanted to stay.

To my loving manager, you are the legitimate definition of a work mom. I have never felt such love and care from a boss before you. Every time I come into work, you take your time to make sure I am okay. You’re gentle when you need to be and stern when something goes wrong. To sacrifice your days in a mall store and keep a positive attitude is incredible of you. I would not be the person I am right now without your mini life lessons. I wouldn’t sell like I do today without your help when I have “my moments.”

To my amazing staff, thank you for cheering me up whenever I am down. Thank you for calling me out whenever I do something wrong. Thank you for being my family. I never knew how quickly I could come to trust a group of teenagers. Whether we are complaining about the future, or raving about the new shoes we got in, I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. I have never felt more at peace within a group of teenagers as I do when I work.

To customers, I am deeply sorry for always selling you socks. I have to sell them. They are very comfortable though. I’m sorry if we don’t have your size. I can’t help that either.

To the wonderful corporation of Journey’s, thank you giving me an opportunity to work with all my heart. Who knew I would be so good at it? I hope to stay as long as I can before I have to enter the “real world.” Even after entering the “real world,” I will never forget the lessons you taught me.

Thank you, Journey’s.

With the greatest amount of love,

Amanda